Our History

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The Rhodesian Services Association was formed from a basis of people who served, or whose family served, in forces loyal to Rhodesia. The origins of this association date back to the 1980’s when the late David Turner formed a branch of the Rhodesian Army Association in New Zealand.

At the inaugural AGM in October 2003 a committee was elected. The name Rhodesian Services Association and symbol of the Lion & Tusk was adopted signifying the representation of all arms of the forces throughout the history of Rhodesia. The purpose of the association is to benefit and educate the community. The association also provides a focal point for those wishing to make contactwith others from all branches of the Rhodesian forces and civilians.

We have been made welcome and supported in New Zealand, by the Hobsonville Returned Services Association in Auckland; the 6th Battalion (Hauraki) Regimental Assn Inc. in Tauranga and the Classic Flyers Museum in Mount Maunganui.

Our main social event in New Zealand known as “The RV” began in 2002 and was envisaged to be a one-off affair in order to acknowledge those who had been decorated for their bravery and service to Rhodesia. At that RV, the Commanding Officer of the 6th Battalion (Hauraki) Regiment, Lt Col John Dick ED, was most complimentary of our efforts and the kind of spirit that we represented and insisted that as soldiers, we should have the opportunity to be able to keep safe the record of our country and invited us to form a museum display as part of the unit’s history room. This was done with funding and contribution from all over the world. The display was officially opened in April 2003 during a visit to New Zealand by Lt. Gen. Peter Walls. The Hauraki Museum and Garrison Club are open to the public every Friday from 16.00 hrs.

In 2006 the Classic Flyers Museum invited us to form a display in their museum on Jean Batten Drive, Mount Maunganui. This was done, again with input from all over the world.

From the 1st May 2018 we began leasing Unit 10, 14 Portside Drive, Mount Maunganui which will be the location of our Museum and administration. It will be open to the public and be the focal point for social gatherings and Memorial Day commemorations.